1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a . 1 and 2 only
b . 3 and 4 only
c . 1, 2 and 3 only
d . 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer- d
Explanation:
The MPLAD Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India. This Scheme was announced on December 23, 1993 by the then Prime Minister of India P.V. Narasimha Rao in the Parliament.
MPLAD Scheme enables MPs to recommend works of developmental nature in their area for creation of durable community assets; based on the locally felt needs.
Each MP is entitled for Rs. 5 crore annually, recommended works should be for the creation of assets and amenities in drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, roads, etc.
Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Each MP can recommend works up to the annual entitlement during the financial year.
Choice of Nodal District and geographical area of recommended work: –
| Type of MP | Nodal District Choice | Geographical area of recommended work |
| Lok Sabha MP | Any district of the constituency | Within Constituency of election |
| Rajya Sabha MP | Any district in the state of election | Within the State of Election |
| Nominated MP of both houses | Any district in the country | Anywhere in the country |
An elected Member of Parliament can also recommend work anywhere in the country outside the usual region in which he/she can recommend work . MP can recommend eligible works outside Constituency/ State/UT up to a maximum of Rs.25 lakh in a financial year.
MPs can recommend every year at least 15 per cent of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for SC inhabited areas and at least 7.5 per cent of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for ST inhabited areas.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
In the event of a “Calamity of severe nature” in any part of the country, an MP can recommend works up to a maximum of Rs. 1 crore for the affected district.
The funds under MPLADS are non-lapsable both at the end of the Union Government and at the end of the District Authority. The unspent balances of a particular year are utilised in the subsequent year(s). The unreleased funds, if any, pending with the Government of India, are first released for completion of the valid recommendations of eligible works of the former MP and thereafter released to the account of the successor MP. The unspent balance, after implementing all valid recommendations of eligible works of the former MP, is transferred to the MPLADS account of the successor sitting MP.
Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
District Authority shall inspect at least 10% of the works under implementation every year and would involve the Member of Parliament concerned in such inspections to the extent feasible.
The Project Management Unit under the MPLADS Division of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), PMU-MPLADS, shall be the Central Nodal Agency.
Hence, statement 4 is correct.
Read: Previous Year UPSC Polity Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2020